Report by Lisa Murray-Segal

Having been beaten convincingly by StCath's in our last game, it was always going to be a tough ask to win against this strong side. But with a premiership flag waving above our heads, we went into the game with determination, despite missing some key players. As a bonus, we had Isabelle to coach us having finished her exams but still recovering from a broken hand, and Clare fired up for what was likely her last game for the club. So we began with enthusiasm, but StCaths scored their first inside a minute. They consistently shut out us out when in attack as we struggled to fill the CF role effectively and lacked movement to create an opening. They had plenty of speed and experience and were throwing goals from 7m or creating fast breaks from turnovers. Our only goal in the first half came from Clare! At the break, Isi tried to get us focused on a better attack, and manning up more effectively in defence. Starting the third quarter down 1-8, our changes were having little effect. We gave up the ball under pressure, our throws were poor and they completey shut down our CF. Sandra in goals was doing a fabulous job stopping the scorelin from blowing out further, and also venturing out of the cage up the pool to try and create an extra man for us in attack. Nothing seemed to work, StCaths had us covered with every move. They throw another 8 goals in the second half, without a further contribution from us.

Being out of the finals, we now look forward to 2025 and building more confidence as a team. We say a very sad and fond farewell to 2 amazing players who now leave us to relocate to NSW : Clare and Isabelle! Thankyou for your service ladies - together you have been our most prolific goals scorers - which will leave rather large shoes to fill. We've loved having you in the squad and wish you every success as life takes you elsewhere, au revoir!

Essendon were defeated by St Catherine's : 1 - 16   Goals : Clare 1

BELOW : WSL3 semi final team, with coach Isi

Report by Marcus Jones

This wrap is dedicated to Millsy's backhand.......the backhand that never stops even when it makes sense to shoot forehand.

The Essendon boys were up for a big preliminary final against Footscray on a beautiful balmy Thursday evening. The theme of the night was to swim hard both ways – behave without prejudice to attack or defend.

And wrap readers let me tell you we did just that! It all started with the Silver Fox winning the first swim up then the Essendon guys playing with great structure allowing the ball to be fed into centre forward and play made around the classical water polo structure – Steerey would be proud!! We had five on the bench who rotated throughout the game which always provided fresh players in the field. This was our advantage and after half time as the Footscray players tired and the Essendon boys recited that 80s song – when the going gets tough – the tough get backhander goals. The Essendon boys dominated after half time and by halfway through the last quarter the game was over.

It was a great team performance with many highlights:

• Silver Fox scoring a lob goal from almost out of the pool – he was closer to Port Melbourne beach than the goals

• Young Mills mocking Danny Flahive – I really hope he doesn’t referee our GF

• Box Office Cover scoring yet another goal – the rumour is Andrew is seeking a trade to a MSL1 team as he finds this grade too easy

• Felix just being awesome in goals

A special shout out to Haydo and his family who couldn’t attend the game – we missed ya tonight.

And a Bronx cheer for Bryan who decided to take a luxury 5-star Noosa holiday instead of playing in the grand final.

Essendon defeated Footscray : 9 - 4   Goals : Ryan 4, Lee 3, Ambrose 1, Andrew 1

BELOW : MSL4 preliminary final team

12&U Mixed - Editor

Round 7 was a scheduled BYE for the 12s, but they will have 2 games this Sunday, both at MSAC. This is the final round of games for 2024. Game times have been altered so please note new times below :

GAME 1 :  Vs Monash/NYP Dragons (8.00am)

GAME 2 :  Vs DVE Aquatic (9.10am)

14&U Girls - Editor

Round 7 was a scheduled BYE for the 14G, but they will have 2 games this Sunday, both at MSAC. This is the final round of games for 2024. Please note the earlier time for game 1 :

GAME 1 :  Vs Richmond Black (8.35am)

GAME 2 :  Vs DVE Aquatic (10.20am)

14&U Boys 

Essendon/Monash defeated Northcote : 8 - 0 (FORFEIT)  

Girls Combined 

Essendon/Monash defeated Richmond Black : 8 - 0 (FORFEIT)  

YthBoys

Essendon/Monash defeated MC Gold : 3 - 22  Goals : TBC

JnrMen - Felix Neal

Despite a location change the team arrived energetic for the game to come. The freezing pool barely waived our attitude as we began. The first quarter was a tussle with scoring at both ends, finishing the quarter even at 3-3. The second was much the same though Richmond managed to pull ahead by 2 goals, 3-5. In the third quarter we turned on the burners and managed to claw our way back into the game closing out the term at 8-8. The final quarter was played with a high quality from both sides but ultimately we managed to take home the victory by a goal - beating the ladder leaders!

Essendon/Monash/NYP Dragons defeated Richmond : 11 - 10  Goals : TBC